Agar eager for 'desperation derby'

Thursday 21 April 2011 08:00 BST

Richard Agar

Hull coach Richard Agar admits his side's clash with arch rivals Hull KR on Friday lunchtime could be labelled the "desperation derby", with both sides badly in need of a victory to kickstart their Engage Super League campaign.

Rovers have won just twice since opening the season with a 34-22 win over the Black and Whites, who are above their near neighbours only on points difference going into the busy Easter programme.

He added: "I was reasonably happy with our form over the last four or five weeks, but it was a setback last weekend and we've got to show a response. We didn't play well but there is probably no better game to bring it out."

Agar, who will give a debut to former Wigan centre Martin Gleeson at the KC Stadium, can also call on the services of Sean Long and Willie Manu and admits his side's 28-10 defeat by Catalan Dragons last Saturday gave him plenty of scope to ring the changes.

"In previous weeks it might have been a bit of a selection headache, but a few players let themselves down in France," said Agar, who has dropped Lee Radford and Reece Lyne.

Most interest in Hull KR coach Justin Morgan's team selection centres on the potential derby debut of Willie Mason.

The Robins have insisted the colourful Australian forward is on course to obtain a Tongan passport, which would enable the club to re-register scrum-half Michael Dobson, but their statement failed to dampen speculation linking the big man with a move to French rugby union club Toulon.

Mason has been named in Rovers' 19-man squad, but whatever their line-up, Agar is expecting a difficult test from the visitors.

"They really ask questions of your defensive line and they've got a very good kicking game," he said. "If Michael Dobson does take his place in the team he will certainly add to that, but they have got enough creative players in their team to pose a threat."